New report wants government to develop fuel security plan to deal with disruptions to supply from extraordinary events
March 5, 2013
Regions will bear the brunt in the event of a fuel supply crisis, according to the NRMA, which wants government to develop a fuel security plan.
The Australia’s Liquid Fuel Security report, released by the NRMA, says the Federal Government needs to have in place an effective strategy to deal with disruptions to supply from events such as war, economic turmoil or natural disasters.
NRMA Motoring and Services Director Graham Blight says fuel available to the public could run out within three days if Australia’s liquid fuel supply was cut.
“Any farming that uses diesel or petrol to run machinery, or trucks to transport produce around the country, would come to a halt very quickly,” he says.
“Regional towns would become isolated very quickly as it would be difficult to move goods in and out.”
The report also claims dry goods could run out within nine days if Australia’s oil supply is cut, while chilled and frozen goods could run out within one week.
It goes on to suggest retail pharmacy supplies could run out within seven days, and hospital pharmacy supplies within three days.
The NRMA last week brought together groups such as the National Farmers Federation, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, academics and the Australian Automobile Association to discuss the impact of a disruption to Australia’s fuel supply.
